Everton Linked With Return For Barcelona Ace

Could Roberto Martinez go back in for Gerard Delofeu in January?

By Sean Lunt /

A number of news outlets are reporting that Everton could be interested in a second loan deal for Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu. The Spanish youngster spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, but was recalled by new Barça manager Luis Enrique as he assessed his squad before the new season. However, following the arrival of Luis Suarez from Liverpool for £75m, and the likes of Neymar, Messi and Pedro already ahead of him in the squad, Deulofeu was shipped out on loan to Sevilla in order to get game time. Sources in Spain are now saying that the 20 year-old is unhappy at the decision to loan him out for this campaign, despite his former B-team manager insisting he had a first-team future at the Nou Camp. That unhappiness has been compounded by the fact he has played just 17 minutes in Sevilla€™s opening four games in Liga BBVA, having expected to be a starter for Los Rojiblancos. That has alerted Everton, who could be poised to make a bid for the winger in the January transfer window. Toffee€™s manager Roberto Martinez is thought to have a strong relationship with the Spanish international, as well as encouraging ties with the Barcelona hierarchy, which could prove to be decisive factors. Deulofeu made a total of 29 appearances while on loan for the Blues last year, scoring four goals, the most memorable of those being an exquisite equaliser against Arsenal. He also dazzled the Goodison faithful in a 4-0 demolition of Stoke before Christmas to affirm his popularity with the Everton fans. One stumbling block could be an already heavily populated Everton squad following the arrival of Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan, as well as Kevin Mirallas, Aiden McGeady and Steven Pienaar already vying for a position on the wings.